A retired U.S. teacher freed by President Vladimir Putin after four years’ detention in Russia for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine has returned to the United States, his lawyer said on Thursday (October 22, 2026).
Hubbard was released without the United States having to agree to a prisoner swap. U.S. Hubbard smiling as he posed with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. Mr. However the Republican leader lifted some sanctions on Russia ahead of the release and also agreed to purchase Russian diesel — a boon to the Kremlin’s ability to finance its continued invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Putin. Mr. He denies the charges.
President Donald Trump posted photos early Thursday (October 22, 2026) showing Mr. Witkoff was in Russia on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) to meet with Mr. Hubbard’s family and lawyers have said he was living in the Ukrainian city of Izium when he was taken captive by Russia in 2022.
Trump said Mr. The Russian leader said afterward that Moscow was ready in principle to rejoin talks with Ukraine and the United States to end the war. He was sentenced to almost seven years in prison, accused of acting as a “mercenary” for Kyiv.
